Photoluminescent Signs

In an emergency situation, well-lit buildings can suddenly become dark due to power failures, turning the power off due to a potential risk or alternatively, vision obscuring levels of smoke. These circumstances may be disorientating and frightening, therefore anyone on your premises could need assistance in exiting the building coherently and safely. Photoluminescent signage provides clear directions so that employees and visitors are guided to the nearest exit routes and safely out of the building to a designated refuge/assembly point or safe zone. They can also highlight important features, such as fire alarms which need to be enabled to notify others of a fire break out, or provide key instructions, for example to not use the lift in the event of a fire.

In the event of a fire or power outage, using a Safety Way Guidance System (SWGS) is an effective way to highlight stairways & exits in poor lighting conditions.

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Photoluminescent Signs: Buying Guide

Photoluminescent safety signs and systems play a vital role in safety and guidance. They provide clear instructions which can be understood under most conditions signifying important locations such as where fire equipment is stored, as well as providing crucial information for your workforce and visitors. We supply you with signage which is fully compliant with ISO 7010 regulation, to offer you the latest symbol requirements. For a glimpse at photoluminescent safety products in action, view our photoluminescent signs video.

Highlighting Emergency Escape Routes

All workplaces should provide adequate escape routes in case of fire and other emergencies, as well as the means to detect fires and efficiently raise the alarm. Sufficient lighting of an escape route must be provided, even in the case of complete power failure and/or smoke congestion. This should provide enough light for safe movement and allow alarm points and fire fighting equipment to be easily located. Our range of photoluminescent kits supply you with a complete solution to assist those within your building in exiting safely and coherently, in an emergency. They contain a variety of photoluminescent elements that can be used to create an easily understood framework of instructions on how to reach a safe zone. These kits are compliant with ISO 16069: 2017 legislation which has specific requirements around how you design a Safety Way Guidance System.

Essential Safety Feature

Photoluminescent signs and materials should be considered essential backup to electrical emergency lighting systems. Photoluminescent systems are widely used around the world on passenger aircraft and ocean liners, on railway networks and in road tunnels. They can be more effective in a smoky environment than electrical signs even when those signs remain functioning, as the electric sources can be obscured by smoke or can even cause additional disorientation due to light scattering effects.

FAQs

What is photoluminescence?

Photoluminescent (PL) materials absorb ultraviolet energy particles and store them before re-emitting it in the form of visible light when its surroundings become dark. In photoluminescent signs and safety products, PL materials are incorporated into the paint, plastic and printed materials used, which do not require a source of power or electricity to work. These then glow in the dark if the environment does not contain adequate lighting. It is important to ensure that light levels are sufficient in areas where photoluminescent products are used. This enables the photoluminescent material to recharge by storing light particles until required.

What are the photoluminescent classifications?

The duration and intensity of the glow emitted from photoluminescent products is dictated by the amount of photoluminescent pigment supplied within the material. The PSPA (Photoluminescent Safety Products Associations) regulates the standard for PL products and has set out classes A-G in order to measure the strength of their glow in the dark qualities. Class G produces the highest degree of luminescence over the longest period; our drive lane markers produce this high level of photoluminescence.

What legislation does photoluminescence meet?

Whilst there is no legislation governing the use of photoluminescent products in Europe, making sure you have a high quality PL product is advisable. Fitting an ISO 16069 compliant photoluminescent Safety Way Guidance System demonstrates a duty of care and a commitment to the safety of your employees, customers and visitors.

Why should I switch to photoluminescent signs?

Reliable

Electrical signs will be affected if the power fails and can also be damaged or disabled, which may not be apparent until the sign is needed. Even when signs and/or emergency lighting are on a separate circuit to regular lighting and power, they are still potentially vulnerable to a disruption in the supply. Photoluminescent signs, however, when charged from a good light source provide consistent illumination which can last for days without needing to be recharged (depending on the PSPA Class), which means less panic and clear visibility.

Cost effective

Since photoluminescent signs rely on ambient lighting, which can significantly reduce the operating costs associated with electrically powered safety signs. These signs may contain complex wiring and many components which can be costly to repair or replace. Photoluminescent signs, however, are quick and easy to install and have a long lifespan which will save you money in the long-term.

Low maintenance

Photoluminescent signs require little to no maintenance and won’t malfunction, therefore as long as they are kept charged they will remain visible when lighting fails or smoke is present. Low maintenance signs allow for focus to go into other tasks and eliminate the need to bring in technicians to check your signs, saving time and money.

Better for the environment

Photoluminescent signs are completely safe to handle, don’t use any excess energy, are non-toxic and non-radioactive. This means they are more environmentally-friendly than electrical signs which rely on costly amounts of energy to sustain, but can also rely on backup battery packs which have a negative impact on the environment.